KemPharm, Inc. Expands Global Intellectual Property Estate for KP201

CORALVILLE, Iowa, March 4, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- KemPharm, Inc., a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of new, safer therapies to treat pain, announced today that multiple global composition of matter patents have been issued for KP201 in Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Additionally, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) allowed for grant in due course U.S. Patent Application No. 13/888,578 to KemPharm for composition claims of the salt forms of KP201.

KP201 is KemPharm's hydrocodone prodrug in development for acute moderate to moderately severe pain. KP201 offers unique physicochemical and pharmacological attributes that may deliver additional patient benefits, including reduced potential for abuse and reduction or elimination of opioid-induced constipation (OIC).

Travis C. Mickle, Ph.D., President and CEO of KemPharm, commented, "As KP201 continues to advance in the clinic, the confirmation of additional patents in the U.S. and multiple countries validates the unique chemical structure and distinct properties of our prodrug technology. Without question, there are significant medical and societal needs around the world for a hydrocodone-based medication that offers the combination of abuse deterrence and OIC reduction. We look forward to completing the clinical and regulatory review process so that we may soon introduce what we believe will be a market redefining pain therapeutic."

About KemPharmKemPharm is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of new chemical entities (NCEs) to treat serious medical conditions through its proprietary and broadly applicable Ligand Activated Therapy (LAT) approach. The companyutilizes its LAT technology to generate improved prodrug versions of FDA approved drugs in the high needs areas of pain, ADHD and other CNS diseases. KemPharm's lead clinical candidate, KP201, is in development for the treatment of acute moderate to moderately severe pain. Composed of hydrocodone chemically bound to a ligand, KP201 offers unique physicochemical and pharmacological attributes that may deliver additional patient benefits, including reduced potential for abuse and reduction or elimination of opioid-induced constipation (OIC). KemPharm's pipeline is also highlighted by KP511, its hydromorphone prodrug for pain, KP606, its oxycodone prodrug for pain, and KP415, a prodrug of methylphenidate for the treatment of ADHD. For more information on KemPharm, please visit the company's website at www.kempharm.com.